Computing
Computing Curriculum Overview: Boothroyd Primary Academy
At Boothroyd Primary Academy, our computing curriculum is designed to provide every pupil with a rich, powerful learning experience of computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. By blending the NCCE Teach Computing framework with our unique pedagogical approach, we ensure pupils explore a range of technologies and understand their application in everyday society. Our primary intent is to bridge the digital divide by widening subject vocabulary and developing oracy, ensuring pupils become digitally literate and able to express their ideas through information and communication technology.
Our curriculum is built across three core strands: E-safety, Information Technology, and Computer Science. We focus on a clear, sequenced progression of key vocabulary, skills, and the use of applications. In Computer Science, pupils learn the principles of information and computation, exploring how digital systems work through programming and modelling. Information Technology lessons focus on using applications such as spreadsheets and word processing to solve problems, while E-safety remains a non-negotiable, integrated priority. This includes annual Internet Safety Day activities and bespoke assemblies that teach pupils to navigate the internet safely and understand the impact of technology on their lives.
The implementation of our curriculum is driven by our Signature Pedagogy, which is rooted in three evidence-based phases: We Connect, We Model, and We Guide.
In the We Connect phase, teachers activate prior learning, linking new computing concepts to previous units to build a cohesive mental model. During We Model, class teachers demonstrate high-quality "think-alouds" and live software demonstrations to make abstract processes visible. Finally, in the We Guide phase, pupils engage in scaffolded practice with teacher support, ensuring they achieve mastery of technical skills before moving toward independent application.
By following the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) framework, we ensure that computing is taught systematically across the school. This structured approach allows all pupils, including those with SEND, to acquire intended knowledge and skills effectively. Through this consistent delivery by class teachers, pupils develop the computing fluency and accurate vocabulary needed to succeed in their future education and adult life.
